Nissan’s contender in Europe’s growing heavy van segment, the Interstar has a GVW ranging from 2.8 to 3.5 tonnes, and represents a complete range in itself, with three body lengths, three heights, three common rail direct injection turbo-diesel engines and a wide selection of options to modify the van to either individual or company requirements. There is a new exterior colour and a redesigned front bumper in order to increase engine cooling. On the inside, improvements in the manufacturing process have contributed to higher levels of fit and finish, as well as durability. Interstar’s interior improvements are focused on practicality and user-friendliness. There is a larger variety of useful storage areas around the cabin including roof storage and an additional tray on the centre console, in addition to a lockable glove box. The cabin is exceptionally comfortable for up to three adults, even over long distances, and there is a good range of seating adjustment for the driver. Large door mirrors provide good visibility to the rear.The engine line up on Interstar has been simplified to one 2.5-litre dCi powertrain available with three outputs, 100, 120 and 150hp, all offering improved performance and refinement. Euro 4 compliancy on the new engines means that emission levels have been cut significantly while maintaining the same level of refinement, consumption and performance.
There are three wheelbase options: 3078, 3578 and 4078mm. Given the cargo lengths, from 2714 to 3714mm. Along with the welcome load length come competitive heights and width. There are again three different heights available, from 1670 to 2146mm and with a cargo width of 1764mm, there is space for loads of all sizes. The Interstar is engineered for maximum practicality for park and drop operations with a side sliding door revealing an aperture 1099mm wide and either 1555 or 1800mm in height (depending on version) and providing plenty of flexibility for manoeuvring awkward loads; a second sliding door is optional. All these carefully designed parameters give an overall cargo volume of 8.0 to 13.9m3, depending on model; maximum payload is 1606 kg on the 3.5 GVW medium wheelbase/medium height model. It looks like yet another example of creative thinking from Nissan.
